Trump Discusses Potential TikTok Sale
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, March 9th, that his administration was in discussions with four different groups regarding the potential sale of Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok. He emphasized that all options were being considered.
The future of TikTok has been uncertain since January 19th, when a law requiring its owner, ByteDance, to either sell the platform on national security grounds or face a ban took effect. President Trump, who took office on January 20th, signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of this law by 75 days.
When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One if a deal on TikTok was imminent, Trump responded that it was a possibility. He elaborated, stating that his administration was "dealing with four different groups, and a lot of people want it ... all four are good."
Neither TikTok nor ByteDance responded to requests for comment outside of normal business hours.
The uncertainty surrounding TikTok has attracted several potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. Business analysts estimate that the fast-growing platform could be worth as much as US$50 billion.
6 Comments
Eugene Alta
Is this what 'America First' means? Giving away our technology and user data to the highest bidder?
KittyKat
This is a blatant power grab by the government. No one elected Trump to decide what information we can access.
Loubianka
Selling to a private company doesn't guarantee our data will be safe. They'll just use it for targeted advertising and profit.
Katchuka
This deal stinks. There's no way Trump isn't getting something shady out of this for himself.
KittyKat
There's no reason to believe that a private company would be less responsible with user data than TikTok is now.
Michelangelo
This is a win-win situation. We eliminate the security risk and boost the American economy.